Pipeline Industry Glossary

The primary trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, which develops industry standards and recommended practices including those for pipeline safety.

Recommended Practice 1130 - API standard establishing requirements for Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM) systems for liquid pipelines, including performance criteria for sensitivity, robustness, reliability, and accuracy.

Recommended Practice 1175 - API standard for Pipeline Safety Management Systems, providing a framework for managing pipeline safety programs.

A discrete quantity of product transported through a pipeline. Multi-product pipelines transport multiple batches in sequence.

The controlled release of gas or liquid from a pipeline section for maintenance or emergency purposes.

A technique to control corrosion of metal surfaces by making the metal the cathode of an electrochemical cell, typically using sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems.

Computer-based systems that continuously analyze pipeline operating data to detect leaks, using methods such as RTTM or mass balance.

The centralized facility from which pipeline operations are monitored and controlled, typically staffed 24/7.

A systematic process to evaluate the integrity of buried pipelines by investigating specific threats (external corrosion, internal corrosion, stress corrosion cracking) at predetermined locations.

A dynamic virtual representation of a physical pipeline system that uses real-time data and physics-based models to simulate expected behavior and detect anomalies.

TetonGuard's advanced pipeline monitoring system that combines Real-Time Transient Modeling (RTTM) with statistical methods for superior leak detection.

A system designed to quickly isolate a pipeline segment or facility in case of emergency, typically activated automatically or manually from the control room.

The volume of fluid passing through a pipeline per unit of time, typically measured in barrels per hour (bph) or cubic feet per second (cfm).

An area defined by regulation where a pipeline release could have significant consequences, including populated areas, drinking water sources, and environmentally sensitive areas.

A pressure test conducted by filling the pipeline with water and pressurizing above the MAOP to verify pipeline integrity.

Inspection of a pipeline from within using smart pigs (intelligent pipe inspection gauges) that detect metal loss, cracks, and other defects.

A program to identify and repair leaks, now required by PHMSA for gas transmission pipelines under the Gas Transmission Rule.

Systems and methods used to identify the presence of product escaping from a pipeline, including internal CPM systems and external detection methods.

The maximum pressure at which a pipeline may be operated, as determined by design factors, testing, and regulatory requirements.

A leak detection method that tracks the cumulative difference between product entering and leaving a pipeline to identify potential leaks.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - The U.S. federal agency responsible for pipeline safety regulation.

The Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 192, which establishes safety standards for gas pipelines.

The Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 195, which establishes safety standards for hazardous liquid pipelines.

A computer used for automation of industrial processes, commonly used at pipeline facilities for local control and data collection.

The land area granted for pipeline construction and operation, typically including easements from landowners.

A physics-based leak detection method that creates a computer model of the pipeline and compares model predictions against actual measurements to detect anomalies.

A microprocessor-controlled electronic device that interfaces objects (like sensors) to a SCADA system by transmitting telemetry data.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - A control system architecture that collects data from field devices and enables centralized monitoring and control.

An instrumented vehicle that travels through a pipeline to inspect for defects, also known as an ILI tool or instrumented pig.

A temporary change in pipeline operating conditions, such as pressure or flow rate changes during pump station startup or valve operations.